[ It’s a moment so unexpected, a reassurance in place of a cheap shot at his boring job or various neuroses, that it will haunt his dreams and waking moments for the next week, at least. Colour floods his neck and cheeks, altogether too warm, and he tips his head into Richie to hide it (yeah, just to hide it, sure thing, you stupid motherfucker). ]

Here’s to hoping they don’t find me all the way out here. [ His track record for accidentally ending up with a girlfriend is so high, it had been a running joke among his university friends. ]

You be the romantic one this time. [ a beat, in which he has too much time to consider that possibility. ] Yeah, bet you’re good at it, you fuckin’ sap.

[ Being expressive, even when they were young, with a thoughtful streak as an adult. And with a capacity for vocalising his feelings and offering encouragements that Eddie most certainly lacks. ]